There are fears that recent changes to the SIV program combined with currency export controls in China may have a negative effect on market sentiments. However, property developers claim that the revamped Significant Investor Visa Program is unlikely to hit the property construction boom that has been led primarily by demand for apartments. Source: AFR.com
Instead of the widely-expected five-year renewal, the US EB-5 program has been temporarily extended till December 11, 2015. This has led to speculation that the minimum investments limit, job-creation norms, and other aspects of the program may be subject to comprehensive reform prior to the renewal. Source: JDsupra.com
A recent visa scam involving the possibility of fraudulent issue of Maltese residence permits has raised concerns about the integrity and credibility of Identity Malta, the regulator of country’s Individual Investment Program. The scam involved issue of fake stock as proof of compliance with residency investment requirements. Source: Independent.com.mt
Analysis of data related to investment residency programs offered by more than 50 countries throws up interesting details related to nations with most wealthy investors and investment immigrants, the most popular destinations for such investors, and the preferred asset classes for obtaining permanent residency. Source: Tranio.com
Antigua and Barbuda’s has issued more than 500 passports to wealthy investors under its popular citizenship-by-investment program. Introduced in 2013, the Citizenship by Investment Program offers Antiguan citizenship to investors making minimum investment of US$ 400,000 in a permitted asset class for a minimum period of five years and, to maintain citizenship, reside in Antigua…